Troopers shoot man in standoff

Debbie Caldwell Editor

October 7, 2013

Kentucky State Police troopers and Cumberland City Police Department officers found themselves involved in a standoff situation on Monday afternoon where gunfire was exchanged resulting in the alleged shooter being wounded.

According to a press release from KSP Public Affairs Officer Shane Jacobs, Post 10 troopers responded to the assistance of the Cumberland City Police Department on Old College Road to a shots fired complaint.

Jacobs said upon troopers’ arrival, Jason W. Edmond, 42, of Cumberland, had barricaded himself inside of his residence after firing several shots into several neighboring homes.

“Mr. Edmond exited his home and came out into the front yard and began screaming and threatening officers,” Jacobs said. “Mr. Edmond raised his weapon in the troopers’ direction when two troopers shot him.”

Edmond was transported from the scene by LifeCare Ambulance Service to the lower level area of Southeast Community and Technical College’s campus where he was airlifted to a trauma center.

Jacobs said Edmond was flown to Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, Tenn., for treatment. He is listed in critical condition.

KSP acting post commander Lt. Jason Adams said the investigation is being conducted by Lt. Ryan Catron and other Post 10 personnel. Lieutenants from Pikevile and Hazard posts are also assisting in the investigation.

It is unclear at this time as to what triggered the incident.

The incident occurred near the former Cumberland High School and not far from Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. The campus was placed on lock-down during the incident. An alert telephone call went out to many Harlan County residents to inform them the college had been placed on lock-down.